Here we are on May 31st. I have not run a single mile in all of May. It is too tough to run on a small sailboat:) June, running will commence. Hopefully having an entire month off and stretching will mean that my pesky hammie will behave!

Judi - I love camel! The yoga classes at my new gym are SERIOUSLY challenging me. I took two different classes, and already I've done two poses I never did before - wall L and a backbend. Yahoo for yoga!

Did some upper body this morning. My workout drive is returning... it took a little two month break, but it's coming back. Just in time for sleeveless shirt weather!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

No question, Trish! At the 2012 St Pete Inaugural RocknRock Half Expo (my first Half Marathon), I bought "The Stick" and it's baby sister, the Foot Wheel. I use it all the time AND take it with me on trips! Later, when I started Yoga, I realized the larger Foam Roller and used Coach Nicole's vid on how to properly use it! Very nice. Thanks for reminding me! For quads specifically, I like the Hero, Thunderbolt (a variation), Camel (I'm working that too), and Arrow. I also do a variation of King Dancer. (a kiuller but I'm getting better at it) I like the Warrior for the quads and balance (which I'm improving rapidly!)

Namaste!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Talking about quads...my best advice is purchase a foam roller...it is my nemisis, and my friend...roll every day, and you will thank yourself...if you haven't heard of it before, check this website out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJLxruO3su0.

Hugs to you all!!!

Trish

If all you get is all you give, then you should only give all you''ve got.

DD has gone off to West Virginia to see his father one last time. So, I drove to my parent's house to get the rest of our stuff. I did leave a few things for later but most of it is now on the boat and put away! I am pooped!!! Go back to work on Friday. I am looking forward to it, it can't be as hard as moving:)

Monty / Carrie - what are your favorite yoga poses for quads? I really love the warrior series, all the variations of them. I struggle with the camel, but I find that it sure gives them a good stretch.

Anne, I'm glad that you got in four miles after all that blood taken yesterday. Now if that isn't a good excuse to rehydrate (thinking wine here), I'm not sure what is!

Nera, it sounds like you really needed that nap. Good for you for allowing it to happen.

I was going to bike this morning, but I think the activities of the weekend and early week finally caught up with me. My jello legs were still jello-y this morning, so I didn't bike far - just to work and back (less than a mile). Chicken for dinner - baking right now and smells so good!

Hi all! Did a 3 mile run on the treadmill with a mile of walking thrown in for no reason. I am tired from work and the fact that I had quite a bit of blood drawn yesterday. 15 vials. Yup..who ever heard of such a thing. Took forever too as I have very low blood pressure so it just trickled out in it's own slow time. Good thing that doesn't bother me. Then the hospital called later and said they needed one more vial. Seriously..16 tubes of blood. No wonder I am tired! They biopsy scheduled for yesterday was put on hold. We will see what the blood work says. Any how, I got a run in after work. That's what counts. I might be tired but I like to tell my body that I am the boss. So I make sure I at least give the exercise I have scheduled a go. If I am to weak or tired I will call it but that rarely happens. Once you get going you know...endorphins..right Trish!? Carrie-I love that you are loving your new area of living. So cool! Judi- so excited that things are going so well for your running and biking. It's about time! Monty-way to go on sharing your knowledge of running. Runners are usually a great group of friends. Love it. Off to rest.

Hey Carrie, I found out my quads are always in a state of tightness. So, I always insure that I warm up before I run. But, I found that biking and spinning really works them good. I can feel the burn a lot when I bike! I also found certain Yoga poses work my legs good and better my run! All the best. Stay strong!

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

I just had some delicious Middle Eastern food from a little place about a 7 minute walk from my house. It's a good thing hubs is away - he wouldn't want to get near me after lunch. It was garlicky and onion-y and amazing.

My quads are letting me know I haven't done strength training in a while. I was going to run today, but I am barely managing to walk! So I'm walking around doing some errands today and later tonight I'm headed to a LOOOOONG yoga class at my gym. An hour and a half of relaxing yoga. I can't wait!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

I finally realized this great forum today and was overwhelmed by the sharing & the spirit within. The virtual team bond is so strengthened by it! I love the fundraising power of running. What a great effort, Trish! Met with my ARC Run Group last night. It was my first run since my biopsy on Friday, the day before my birthday, NICE!. (I'm definitely feein' ya, Anne!) I just wanted to focus on technique and smoothness with minimal effort. My PT doctor joined us and saw me running. He shouted out "Great pose form!" Love that positive feedback! When we all gathered afterwards at Sea Dog Brewing, he mentioned how I had captured the "Pose Running" style. Several of my teammates had already noticed that my times had become faster. Next thing I know, we are doing a demo in "The Pose!" There were two guys who mentioned they had also taken up the style. A couple of racewalkers were surprised to hear that it could also be used for them as well. Great discussion followed on various topics.from nutrition to minimalist shoes. This is one of the benefits of team running, the sharing of info! Everyone have a healthy day!

Edited by: MIRAGE727 at: 5/29/2013 (08:27)

Monty, Team Leader *SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Running Program *Spark Triathlon Team *Spark Florida - The Official Team

Hi team. DD came to visit for the day/night. She actually works 11 minutes away from the boat but she lives in "our" room at my parents house right now so her commute is about 1.5 hours. Yikes! She needs to pay off some of her debt to be able to comfortably live on her own again. She will get there in a few months. No run today but more walking. I might try to run tomorrow. DD is off to West virginia tomorrow, his father is dying and he wants to see him one last time, well, not really but I strongly suggested he go for his Mom's sake at least.

I have never heard of GABA but if it is for stress I should check it out. Had a long Memorial day weekend with no long car trips. First weekend in a month I haven't been in the car for hours. Yeah. Nice to have no real plans. Saturday my body made plans of it's own when I fell asleep on the couch for 2 hours. Guess I was tired. LOL!!!

Trish, sorry about the trip not working out, but I know you'll figure a time to go and a way to get there. I haven't heard of GABA before, but my Internet has, it just changed it to all capital letters, LOL. Thanks for the comments on my recovery. It's just this dang year goal that Bobby talked me into. I just have to fit those bike miles in there somewhere!

Ran an easy three miles today on a hotel treadmill, since I'm out of town for training (in Regina). Then hit the bike again for another 3.7 miles, but legs were jello by that point, so didn't get more.

Just checking in to say HEY to my friends:) Glad that Doris has an Addy...LOL:) Judi, you rocked the race sweetie, and to do the bike right after tells me that you are an amazing athlete and that you have trained right. Anne, you are doing awesome, the biopsies are only to try to determine what is going on, information is the BEST!!! I hate it when I don't know...

Just figured out that my Disney holiday won't work. Missy has CJ (Canadian Scouting Jamboree) during the time we are gone...gotta change that.

Had a nice rrrrwalk today, it went well, and got my endorphin's to come out and play.

Hugs and love, Trish

PS, anyone use the herbal stress remedy "Gaba"?

Edited by: RACING4ME at: 5/28/2013 (01:56)

If all you get is all you give, then you should only give all you''ve got.

DH and I (and the cat) currently "live" in Maine, on the NH boarder though. Our legal residence is in NH. It was a lovely day out. I hung out all the linens to air them out. DH accused me of airing our dirty laundry in public. I corrected him as the laundry was clean!:) Happy running all.

Hi all! Wow...Judi is a running machine! Carrie has good news on a possible job! Nera is getting some movement in. That will help! So sounds like things are looking up here! I saw the rheumy and have some more dr. visits now.. :( But onwards to finding out what is going on. Some biopsies coming up this next week. Oh boy! I had a decent run today (and Saturday)..so that is good. Hoping for more of the same. Take care all!

I passed my music audition on Friday! That means that if any openings come up in the fall, I'm on the list of people who can be hired. Yay!

Did three miles on the TM and then some upper body. I really like my new gym - there is a TON of equipment, and it's very clean. There are no funky smells, which is a really big deal to me. Today hubs and I are headed out for a walk - it's windy, but sunny.

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Hi team. We got "home" yesterday morning at 3:30 but could not get to customs until 5:30 as the fog was so thick we couldn't see the entrance! Just kinda hung in place until day light then, we could see the markers. Phew. It sure was nice to sleep all night and not have to get up to stand watch:) Our auto pilot (Francoise) did a great job of following the course we plotted. Hey, a french boat needs a french auto pilot. No running but today we did quite a bit of walking. We are new to the marina and the surrounding area so we went walk-about to check things out. Now, more sleep, laundry, sleep and more laundry. I think everything we own is damp or dirty!

Well I hit the treadmill for awhile. Still not feeling that great. I am trying to figure out how to deal with the constant strain of unemployed hubby and resulting economic strain. But while I have good days I still have too many bad days. Plus it seems to have done nothing but rain here for the last three weeks. LOL!!

“Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting…”Wow! What a ride! Thank You Lord!” ~ Author unknown

Today is a really big day. I have an interview at 11:00 this morning. It's for an elementary music position. I feel good - I'm prepared, organized, I know what I'm talking about... I just hope I'm what they're looking for! Any crossed fingers would be appreciated!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Carrie & Judi, I'm in your camp... While I encourage training clients to keep up with their strength training, I find myself devoting more time to running and since I've been sidelined (again), I've found myself putting in more work hours & slacking on my own ST. I'm determined to get it back in place. Carrie described me to a "T"; feelin' far too "frumpy".

Trish, as I commented on FB, I'd have been frantic had my child not called in that situ... especially given Missy's responsibility level. I'd have feared something had to be wrong so I getcha!! So thankful all was okay; crazy world we live in! (((HUGS)))

Anne, so hoping you get some answers soon, babe!

Off to my annual physical exam in a bit then off to see Momma awhile; we're going to take flowers to the cemetery today; looks like it's going to be beautiful! A clear & sunny 69 :)

~Deej -

“Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting…”Wow! What a ride! Thank You Lord!” ~ Author unknown

It's going to be a busy day... lots to do. I must remember to stretch a lot today! Last night I did my first ST workout in a couple of months, so my muscles are going to be soooooore today and tomorrow.

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Nera, try to do some quiet time exercise. Just some gentle yoga, or a relaxing walk outdoors (not the cardio kind, but the walking with Grandma kind). I always find that when I'm dealing with too much, that these types of activities give me some strength back. Tough day for sure.

Farm update - we are over half done our field seeding, and just have canola left to plant. Things are going really well, once we finally got the snow to melt.

Well our cat passed away today. We are now in a house with with no pets at all. I sure hope we have reached the end of a long trying year and we can look forward to an up swing in fortunes. But the house is in one piece, we still own it and we are relatively healthy so we have that going for us.

I know I need to give myself a kick because last week wasn' t so bad for food but exercise was almost non existent.

Trish how scary. I am with you that the Mom should have found another way to communicate with you. You might want to think about giving your daughter a limited minutes cell phone that she only carries when she goes out to school friend's houses. That way she always can call you or you can reach her. But who would have thought anyone would be with out a working phone. Glad it resolved okay.

So I think I'm ready to get back to the gym. I've been feeling totally lumpy bumpy lately, and while I've been walking a lot, my muscles have lost a bit of definition. :( Tomorrow I'm going to check out a new gym. I'm done with school and won't have to fill up the gas tank as much - I was spending TONS of money on gas to commute to school - so I'd like to use some gas money for the gym. I really miss my gym time!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Hi guys! Another rough run today. Was hoping for around 6 but had to call it around 4.2. Just to much fatigue and muscle weakness. Guess it's a good thing I am seeing my rheumatologist on Wednesday. Hope she can figure out what has changed with my health issues. But hey, I got a run in. That's what counts! Trish-as I said on FB...that is scary about Missy. Glad you and Josh had a great hike. Judi-I am so happy you running is going so well! You have waited a long time for this!

Nera, turn that tv off and get outside! You'll find something there, even if it isn't a run.

Anne, way to get it done after a long day. If its warm, sometimes I feel nauseous too. I hope it wasn't anything more serious.

Trish, always good to hear your hiking stories (and glad I was part of one last fall). I hope Missy wasn't feeling scared while she was there. Is this a girl she will be going back to?

I ran an eight miler this morning. My half marathon is so close now, that I can check the weather forecast. Of course, I know that it will change multiple times before next Sunday, but I am getting excited now! First race of the summer.

Hey everyone, Just checking in:) Today Josh and I went for a wee hike (ok, it was supposed to be wee)...tried to take a trail that ended up going the wrong way, heard something in the bushes (bears are out in our area), decided to go straight up the mountain to find away back to a road...ended up having to climb over a fence to avoid having to go all the way back to where we started. Ended up spending a couple of hours with Monkey, it was nice to hang with him - and what a beautiful trail.

Missy on the other hand, met me at the school and asked if she could go hang out at a new girl (to the school)'s house. I said that she could, but she needed to call me as soon as she gets there to let me know where she was, and what time she would need to be picked up. No phone call....school ends at 2:30....Joshy and I hiked until about 5, but I checked my phone the entire time. Drove around the area I thought she lived in to no avail. Ended up back at the school, and thankfully there were 2 teachers left...Laura was Missy's grade 5 teacher, and the leader of the We Team, and Mrs. Ziebart is one of Missy's teachers this year. Long story short, we ended up phoning all the contact numbers, and all went to voicemail, so we went down to her house (VP got us the addy). By the time I got there, my anger was 100000% fear. Missy was fine, she asked to use the phone to call me, the Mom and kid said "don't worry about it, your Mom knows where you are". When Miss pushed the point, they told her that no phones were working. Her Mom said she was planning on bringing Missy back after she fed her baby. I was just so poed, her Mom said she understood...but I can't even believe that a Mom would think that was ok...if her phones aren't working, then at least she should make an effort to communicate another way.

AAAAAHHHH, phew, done my rant:):) Sorry FB friends, gonna repost

Love ya, Trish

If all you get is all you give, then you should only give all you''ve got.

Rough run for me today. Mondays run was around 37 ish and today was 82 and humid. I just about died the last 1/2 mile. Had to stop a few times to fight nausea. Not sure what that was all about. Just a short one today...3 miles. I was up at 4 a.m. for work and it was a long physical day so that was all I could muster. But hey, I got it done!

Running in a higher altitude just means you may need to run slower than you usually do. If you run at a 12:00 pminute per mile pace at races, then start an altitude one at 12:30 pace. If you feel good, go ahead and increase your pace during the race. Will you have enough time before the race for a practice run? That will show you what it does to your body.

I had a tough speed workout tonight. It was pouring rain this morning, so I decided to ripen after work instead. That made the temperature over 20c, and I'm usually running closer to the freezing mark. I think I should have taken water with me, but I didn't. Live and learn.

I am looking for a little advise about running in higher altitudes. I am planning a trip to Denver in September and am thinking about running a 10K or 1/2. I live and train in Michigan. I am new to the sport of running and only have 2 races under my belt.

Anyone have any advise for me?

Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift... that is why they call it THE PRESENT

LCER - I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with running! So glad you had a great race!

Today is the last time I have to drive up to my mom's house for school. This is really exciting - I am getting tired of having to pack my bags every week! After this, I think I'll be able to focus on Philly stuff. Hurrah!

Tonight is a Spin class, and a final exam... have a super day!

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Ran my first 5K yesterday!! It was so much fun! It was Mother's Day, early, a memorial run in the next town that they've doing for 15 years. When I woke up, it was chilly, rainy, gray and basically not looking like a nice day. My younger daughter (13) decided she wanted to join me, and her best friend and her parents (who have run many races before) did also. Despite the weather, I was excited. We headed over to the race, and low and behold, the sun came out, the birds started chirping, and it was an absolutely glorious day for a run! I finished in 30:10 officially, but I did not start right up at the starting line, so everyone is telling me that my real time was definitely less than 30 minutes, which was my goal. I really like this!! There is such a feeling of accomplishment and freedom in doing this. Very excited! Thanks for the support I've gotten here!

Time to get back in gear... this is my last week of the semester, so I won't have the excuse "I have lots of school work" anymore. Which is fine - while I've been running, I haven't been strength training, and I definitely notice a difference. And I don't like it. Sigh...

Carrie

"For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else." - Winston Churchill

Welcome to the newbies. Anika-don't say you are not a runner! You are out there..you are moving...you ARE a runner! The flying pig marathon that a lot of us just went to last weekend was awesome! I did the half marathon along with a lot of others but I have had some health issues crop up so I just lined up at the start with little expectation and walk/ran. I had a blast! Good idea on taking a rest if you leg is cramping.

So, five of the six boxes arrived. No idea where the other one is. Oh well. Of all the boxes, the missing one is least important. OK, just need to get a baking pan or two and some storage containers. Today, we motor-sailed across from Tortola to St Thomas in the USVI. We left a day late as one of the propellers fell off! Had to wait for the divers to come and replace both of them. So, we finally left, planning on stopping in St Thomas for a few hours, just enough to grocery shop. Discovered on our lumpy, spirited sail that the "house" batteries have a serious issue. Tomorrow, the electrician is coming to diagnose the problem. We did expect some things to not work but, really, a prop fell off and the batteries don't stay charged. Sheesh! Otherwise, all is well. Hopefully we will head to Bermuda tomorrow afternoon. No running but LOTS of walking around town. It is just too blasted humid to think about running. Swimming, yes. Running, no:)

hello sparkfriends! i have been missing a big piece of the necessary success puzzle - the support system component. i really thrive with that accountability, and am hoping to find it again with other runners (even though i am still VERY hesitant to call myself a runner, having been a slow, chubby jogger for so long) trish - my heart breaks for you - i can't even imagine how hard a time this must be for you. i hope that lots of hugs and celebration of don's life with the kids can help you all heal. anika

It's been a long long time since I have been at all active on this team but I am going back to basics with my training and who better to commune with than all of you?!

On another note, Trish...my heart goes out to you. I also teared up reading Rich's note.

I think we are all far richer having this community of cyber friends.

Donna, NE Wisconsin, CST

Every day there is a life fight, and every day we respond to that fight. We may not win each battle, but we will win, with great effort, enriched character and gained wisdom, the great battle that constantly challenges us in our daily lives. - Unknown www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9aJtO0VCqw

Trishy I raced with you in my heart. My legs were fast for you my friend, we raced two trains up the mountain today. We beat one train but the fast one got us be about 5 mins.

As I reflected I thought how maybe dear Don was on that first train, he goes before you but he will be waiting for you in heaven darling. You are running in front of the 2nd train preparing the way for so many of us in this group. Mostly though you are preparing the way for your precious kidlets.

The journey continues with greif and loss, joy will return in time, peace wil come. Jesus holds you in his precious hands as you walk this road.

Love you Darling.

Half Marathon PB 1:43:12 Marathon PB 3:55:33

Dream Large, try hard, take care of the details, but do not lose sight of the prize! Marathon Maniac #6717

Hey guys, I want to get all these updates done in one day...sorry if you get the double post because you are in another group, or with my blog.

My hubby passed away today. He had a rough night on Monday, called 911, they made him comfortable...Tuesday he wasn't able to communicate...Wednesday he was lucid, and talked to the kids and me....kept saying how much he loves us.

He passed this morning...he isn't in pain anymore.

We love him like crazy, and both kids got to say goodbye in their own way.

Love you all, will get back when I can. Trish

If all you get is all you give, then you should only give all you''ve got.

Hey team. I will not be back on for 1-2 weeks as we will soon be in the land of no electronics....or maybe I should say the ocean of no electronics:) Good luck to all racers and runners, to all rooks, I should say, for the next month. If all goes well, we should be back home in about 3 weeks.

Muaha new thread! ran on tues and today really quick this morning before work. i wont have time tonight, my brothers wedding so my time is all taken up. looking forward to cross training tomorrow however

Its not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. Nothing is easy to the unwilling.

Thanks, Judi, for the advice. I would have done the opposite, but what you're saying makes sense!! So happy to have people to guide me since I'm doing this on my own. Enjoy your weekend and thanks again.

I have a sore foot. Hoping the scan today reveals nothing. I had a dislocated metatarsal which was popped back in by the chiro yesterday. Heres hoping thats all it was and that there is no stress fracture there.

Half Marathon PB 1:43:12 Marathon PB 3:55:33

Dream Large, try hard, take care of the details, but do not lose sight of the prize! Marathon Maniac #6717

Welcome to the thread and I'm glad to read your post. If you can already run the 5k distance, you won't have to worry about anything on race day. The whole atmosphere takes over and will help you finish, likely faster than any practice run. Now if you want to run a bit further, you can, but in the week before a race we generally taper (shorter distances to get the lets rested up for the big event). However, for your first race, don't worry too much about details. Go out and enjoy yourself. Races are a blast!

I'm in! I just started running about a month ago. I'm running 5K about every other day. I was doing it every day until I read on this page that I need a rest day, and I've noticed that it does help me avoid soreness, so thanks for that! I have a question. I signed up for a 5K race (my first EVER!!) on Mother's Day. I regularly do that distance, but should I be trying to go further beforehand (training) so I'm "over prepared" and it seems easier? I'm not sure what to expect with hordes of people (this is a popular annual race) and I don't want to feel like I can't make it. Thanks so much for your help. This team is so inspirational!!

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